After a few interviews here at the Conference (COP) 17, one in particular with a member of AOSIS (Alliance for Small Island States) who hails from Palau in the Pacific Islands, I’ve gathered a bit of information on the outcomes that the AOSIS bloc is looking for here at COP:

1.) A legally-binding second five-year committment period of the Kyoto Protocol

2.) Passing of the Green Climate Fund, which will fund the small islands mitigation and adaptation efforts.

These two issues are amongst the most pertinent for this particular COP. However, other “smaller” topics are also on the negotiating table. These include adaptation concerns, how to make REDD (+) work, and facilitating technology transfer.

What will be the fate of this small island state?

According to Ambassador Dessima of AOSIS, the bloc will not accept outcomes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP17 that does not lead to these outcomes. To do so would be to agree to their demise. What is the likelihood of these outcomes? Temengil believes that AOSIS has to stay positive and hope for the best.

AOSIS uses a moral stance to argue their positions, as they do not possess much economic or military bargaining strength. Hope and a moral argument may be the only way to persuade the largest polluters to sign on to the Kyoto Protocol again. The likelihood that this will happen? Only time will tell.

7 Responses to "AOSIS Hopes For The Best"

How do you feel about AOSIS’s request for an extension to the Kyoto Protocol? Do you think the KP is still the best option? Even if the KP iss adhered to by all signatures within the next 5 years, would their combined actions protect the Small Island States from the effects of climate change? Just curious to hear your thoughts. Loving the posts. Live it up!

I actually don’t think that Kyoto is the best option. Obviously some states (like the U.S.) need to make HUGE cuts, while others (like the Maldives) are already well on their way to completely mitigating their GHG. Even if we signed a 2nd KP, it’s doubtful that we’d reach our targets. (We’re not even close to our first targets, and we don’t know how to deal with ourselves!) And even if we did, this would not be enough to protect the SIS from changes and vulnerabilities they are already experiencing!
I think that AOSIS’ request is more symbolic, as if to say, “We’re still here. We’re still vulnerable. We don’t want to wait anymore. And we can’t wait anymore. We need the UNFCCC and we need action now!”

Well, come on. If AOSIS would even read AWG-KP’s draft report, they’d clearly see that the working group has agreed to elect officers and like, talk about maybe adopting further KP commitments. Isn’t that enough? #GetOnWithIt

On the street in Durban, South Africa, there are one page exerpts from the newspaper that feature large headlines posted on streetlamps, so as you drive by you see the latest news. My favorite from Day 2: “WILL KYOTO DIE IN DURBAN?” #suspense

I’ve recently started a website, the info you offer on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work. “Americans detest all lies except lies spoken in public or printed lies.” by Edgar Watson Howe 411